Compost Site-Leaf Humus & Wood Chips

Compost Site

The City of Westlake operates a Class IV compost site that accepts all leaves collected through the Service Department's curbside leaf collection program in the fall, as a joint venture with the City of Bay Village. Approximately 58,000 yards of leaves are collected yearly.

The compost site processes and sells more than 6,000 yards of both leaf humus and wood chips yearly and also provides topsoil for city projects. All product is 100% natural.

Humus Creation Process

The leaves are put into windrows and turned with a straddle type windrow turner. This process greatly reduces and assists the decomposition time and turns the leaves into leaf humus within a six to eight month cycle. The leaf humus is then screened to remove debris. Leaf humus (PDF) is an excellent soil conditioner to add to gardens and flower beds.

Composting is a popular and environmentally friendly process that can be performed at home. If you are interested in learning more about Composting, see Composting Principles (PDF).

Wood Chip Creation Process

The City's compost site also grinds all branches, logs and tree stumps from weekly brush collection. The site operates cooperatively with Council of Governments (COG) which includes Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Fairview and Lakewood. A tub grinder processes this material into wood chips (PDF), which may be used as ground cover in flower beds and around trees.

Purchase of Materials

Leaf humus and wood chips are sold in quantities ranging from a bushel to over 100 yards. For all pricing and delivery information, please view Humus & Wood Chips Pricing (PDF).

Materials MUST be purchased at Westlake City Hall, 27700 Hilliard Blvd., Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. They can NOT be purchased at the Westlake Service Center.

Pick up

Once you have purchased your materials, you can pick up from the Westlake Service Center, 741 Bassett Rd.